“There are 150 BIDs across the country, some install more hanging baskets or put events on. But it is aspirational as well - they had a big water slide in Bristol, we could do that if we wanted.

“We could think of things to put Sheffield on the map.”

The BID will go to a ballot of businesses later this year and, if a majority approve, could involve around 1,200 companies over five years.

Business owners will pay between £300 and £15,000 to be a part of it.

If approved, Sheffield Council would agree to maintain current city centre services such as ambassadors and Christmas lights at the current level for that period.

It would also mean businesses - ranging from independent shops to large retailers, and those in the night-time economy – had an increased lobbying power.

Project champion Toby Hyam, MD of Creative Spaces Management, which manages The Electric Works, said:“We need other businesses to see the city centre as a fantastic asset, not just those in South Yorkshire but across the UK.

“It’s about making a vibrant city centre.”

The project is looking to recruit more champions to the cause. They already include others such as Professor Vanessa Toulmin, the head of engagement at The University of Sheffield, who has worked on BID projects and wants to improve the city centre to attract students.

James Prince, manager of Sheffield’s John Lewis store and champions’ chairman, said most feedback had been positive.

He added: “I think this is the single biggest opportunity we have for the city centre in the next three to five years, before the retail quarter is brought to fruition.”

The next public consultation will be on Tuesday, July 1, at John Lewis. Visit www.sheffieldbid.com